Far north Queensland is home to two World Heritage Listed
areas, the ‘Wet Tropics’, extending from Cooktown almost as
far south as Townsville, and the Great Barrier Reef, extending from the
tip of Cape York Peninsula almost to Fraser Island. At the northern tip
of Australia lies the savannah wilderness of Cape York Peninsula, a wild
and sparsely populated area. Its rugged coastline points towards New Guinea
while the eastern side of Cape York is fringed by the coral gardens of
the Great Barrier Reef. The Islands of Torres Strait, made up of more
than 100 islands, lie to the north of Cape York. This spectacular region
contains a variety of landscapes; lush jungle to saltpans, mangroves to
dunes, coral reefs to eucalypt woodlands and underground caves.
Within these fascinating regions you can experience ancient
Aboriginal sites and discover an elaborate history illustrated in traditional
rock art galleries. The paintings in rich ochre colours of red, orange,
yellow and brown recreate everyday life in an ancient Aboriginal civilisation.
The art of the Aboriginal communities continues to flourish today with
many indigenous people still creating works for you to enjoy and learn
how to make.
There are a diverse range of Aboriginal experiences available
in Far North Queensland. You can join the Ang-Gnarra Aboriginal Corporation
to view the spectacular Quinkan Rock Art sites, experience the Tjapukai
Dance Theatre which celebrates the ancient tradition of storytelling through
song and dance, join a Guguyalanji Aboriginal Woman on a personally guided
tour or the Kuku Yalanji who provide an insight into the rainforest areas
of Mossman and beyond. By special arrangement you may be able to visit
Hopevale, home to some of the most spectacular rainforest and costal sand
dune environments on Cape York. Here you can learn about the art of fire-making,
traditional bark-hut building, spear making, bush medicine and bush tucker
or enjoy a river cruise or bushwalking. At Pajinka Lodge located at the
tip of Cape York, you can stay with the people of Injinoo and join in
on a variety of activities including learning traditional fishing techniques.
You may time your visit to take in one of a number of traditional Aboriginal
festivals including the Laura Aboriginal Dance & Cultural Festival,
a unique display of traditional Aboriginal culture depicted in dance,
music and song.
There are also a diverse range of nature based and adventure
experiences available including nocturnal rainforest walks, nature safaris,
kayaking, white water rafting, snorkelling, diving, exploring mangrove
lined waterways, birdwatching, island getaways etc.
